Uncle Akin: Beauty in the Uncertain

Many people get “frozen in their tracks” just because they do not have all the answers for their tomorrow. They fall victim to the lie they have to have ALL their “ducks in a row” before they make a move. Yes, there is wisdom in having your “ducks in a row.” However, the reality of life is, “you will NEVER have ALL your ducks in a row.”

"If life were predictable it would cease to be life, and be without flavor." — Eleanor Roosevelt.

Life has no guarantees. When and if it ever does, it stops being life. Life and maturity are about living in the uncertain and excelling. Life is not about having all your “ducks in a row.” It is about having all the “ducks you know and can in a row.” Having done your best, you HAVE to take the next step in faith; you do not know and or have under control with the things you do not know.

"The quality of your life is directly related to how much uncertainty you can comfortably handle." — Tony Robbins.

Maturity is about NEVER being incapacitated by the things you do not know or cannot do. Maturity is ALWAYS making the best of the things you do know and can do. Life NEVER expects more than this. The certainty of life might sound fresh and cool, but NOTHING grows there. That is not where life blossoms.

"Maturity is the capacity to endure uncertainty." — John Finley.

I know no one likes to be left guessing. We all wish and seek to cross our “t’s” and dot our “i’s.” That, however, is not the reality of life. That is not the reality of growth. Life involves asking questions. Growth involves asking the right questions. Life involves testing new boundaries of possibility. For as long as you only stay with the certain, you will NEVER grow. You will never know new realms of possibilities. You will always be an underdog.

"If you’re invested in security and certainty, you are on the wrong planet." — Pema Chödrön.

I have heard people repeatedly make the lame-duck excuse,

“expect nothing, and you will not be disappointed.”

Really? How so lame and laid back can someone be? For fear of being disappointed, you are holding foolishly to what? Nothingness? Mediocrity? Security? Who told you security exists anywhere in the world? Who sold you on that baloney?

"We get wise by asking questions, and even if these are not answered, we get wise, for a well-packed question carries its answer on its back as a snail carries its shell." — James Stephens.

“The poor are the ones who look for security, that which is in existence.” Why? They lack ambition. They lack a heart for growth. They are limited by the smallness of their vision and heart. They do not have the stomach for disappointments. Hence, they are imprisoned in their small estate and refuse to grow. You are better than that.

"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing." — Helen Keller.

The ship left in the harbor will rot faster than at sea. Yes, it might be safe in the harbor, but that is not what ships are built for. The plane left on the ground with rot faster than in the air. Yes, it might be safe on the ground, but that is not what planes are built for. A house unoccupied will disintegrate faster than one occupied and used. Yes, it might be safe and organized unoccupied, but that is not what houses are but for.

"Uncertainty and expectation are the joys of life. Security is an insipid thing, through the overtaking and possessing of a wish discovers the folly of the chase." — William Congreve.

That which you don't use, you lose. That which you don't use for its purpose of existence, you abuse, and misuse. That is the "Law of Use." That is why the rich are continually looking for new opportunities to grow and increase. They know that the world is an ever-changing space. Security is found only in movement, GROWTH, and taking on new risks and ventures. What are you waiting for?

"There is no certainty; there is only adventure." — Roberto Assagioli.

"When you become comfortable with uncertainty, infinite possibilities open up in your live — Eckhart Tolle.
"When you embrace the uncertain, life opens up unusual new paths. Seeds sown way back bloom as flowers, in ways one can never fathom." — Subroto Bagchi.

Life is about stretching to new heights, just as you are getting comfortable with the recent new level. Life, beauty, adventure, achievements, accomplishments, and joy are uncertain, not certain. So, prepare for a new adventure. Get set to stretch to new heights. Having been around the same mountain too long it is time to go to the promised land. Are you ready? Are you set? Let’s go.